How To Get the Bubbles Out of Car Window Tint

A lot of car enthusiasts like to have car window tint applied to their windows as an aftermarket addition. The typical issue that many have is bubbling as air gets trapped under the film. It seems impossible to remove them unless you remove the car window tint and start from scratch; hoping to get a better application. With a few simple items and some time, you can remove the pockets of air trapped in your car window tint.

Step 1—Sunny Day

In order to be able to work on the car window tint easily and without potentially damaging it; it is important to make the adhesive pliable. Pick a day when there will be a lot of sun and temperatures in at least the mid 70s F. Move your car to an area that gets a lot of sun and let it sit outside for at least 2 hours. This will allow the adhesive to weaken enough so that you can play around with it. You could use a hair dryer as well if you cannot find a suitable location or enough sun.

Step 2—Loosen the Adhesive

A car drenched in sun helps to make the car window tint film easier to move around and replace without losing the sticking quality of the adhesive. You still need the adhesive to weaken its grip a little more. To do this you want to moisten the car window tint using the fine mist setting on the spray bottle. You do not want to soak the window tint. The cold from the water will interact with the heat from the sun to make the adhesive on the car window tint very malleable.

Step 3—Attacking the Air Bubbles

Using the safety pin; go to each air bubble and pop it. Make a hole that is very small and do not tear the car window tint. A quick poke through the car window tint at a very straight line will to the trick. Sometimes you will have clusters of air bubbles. In these circumstances you want to pop each bubble. It is possible that the car window tint will dry prior to you finishing. If this is the case then moisten the tint again as you did previously.

Step 4—Removing the Air Bubbles

The tiny holes serve as a way for the air that is trapped to escape. Because they are so small; when you remove the pockets of air the car window tint will effectively close these holes. You want to smooth the car window tint out in order to push the air from it. Use the stiff piece of plastic held at a 45-degree angle. Use medium pressure and a slow movement as you slide the card over the bubbles as you make long and smooth strokes. Too much pressure could tear the car window tint. Moisten the tint as needed but remember to not drench the tint.